The Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts fourth annual Rootstock Wine Symposium returned bigger, bolder, and better than ever this year. A journey through the world of wine with expert insights, it was a day of discussions, workshops, and presentations about the business of wine in the global economy.
“Rootstock's carefully curated seminars and tastings give the wine enthusiast insights into the less-often explored aspects of the wine industry,” said Tony Aspler, The Wine Guy and founder of the Ontario Wine Awards.
Students, staff, and guests had the chance to gather with global wine trailblazers to chat and learn about all things wine. Four keynote speakers, including Elaine Chukan Brown, Writer, Speaker, and Educator; Richard Kershaw, Kershaw Wines; Tanisha Townsend, Chief Wine Officer, Girl Meets Glass; and Madeline Puckette, Founder of one of the world’s most-followed wine blogs, Wine Folly explored sustainability, digital innovation, and evolving customer experience strategies for building global brands in competitive markets.
Discovering the unexpected
Master sommeliers and masters of wine led guided tastings in thought and taste-provoking breakout sessions throughout the afternoon exploring current trends, varietals, and the future of the industry. A highlight included a blind tasting of global Bordeaux blends with Master Sommelier Alexander Powell, with Ontario and BC wines ranking in first and second places against more well-known global premium wines.
"The symposium's blend of expertise and passion makes it a vital forum for networking and knowledge exchange,” said Rudi Fischbacher, Dean for the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts. “Empowering industry and educators alike with the tools to navigate and innovate within the dynamic landscape of the industry”.
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Aspler presented seven wines with the prestigious Awards for Excellence in Ontario Wine Awards to close the day.
Judged by the Ontario Wine Awards panel of master sommeliers and masters of wine, guests at The Chefs’ House had the opportunity to taste these award-winning wines.
